used to express joy, approval, or excitement

Examples of yay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Victoria Beckham is teaming up with Estée Lauder on a second collection (yay!), and the popular Eye Foils are making a return with two brand-new shades: Blonde Gold (above) and Burnt Anise (a charcoal). Devon Abelman, Allure, 18 Aug. 2017 Easy genetic modification could mean cures for cancer (yay!), kitty-sized pigs (squee!), and, yes, designer babies (ack). Anna Vlasits, WIRED, 18 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yay was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near yay

Cite this Entry

“Yay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yay. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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